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The nation's decisive policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a rising chorus of nations are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". A law is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban remains "one of the tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked the legislature to approve a bill lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended families to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a advisory statement calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a good foundation," said the European lawmaker driving the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in strong research".

Previously, support grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. One foundation founded by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering dangerous online content contends that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when users turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to design tools that are appropriate and fit for children," stated a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, action is mostly occurring at the local government level due to national gridlock.

• Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law capping under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra use requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills mandating guardian approval for teenagers to open social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some figures to mimic this example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, further countries are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, global organizations adopt a more measured tone. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in user protection.

Even as this international conversation continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that states globally are no longer prepared to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.